I loved it even though I'm sure it is not historically accurate. If you like political shenanigans that include murder, betrayal and invasions by the dastardly French and their newfangled cannons then you should enjoy this a lot. Jeremy Irons is brilliant as is the guy playing the 'there are no morals in war' French King.
Slow to start but worth persevering. If you liked The Tudors, you'll enjoy this too.
Right from the beginning these are very R rated and murderous settings. The newly appointed Pope has bought his placement as Pope and any one who opposes him is killed. The Pope pushes his wife aside and takes a mistress and his sons are opportunists with the women, the younger spends time in the brothels.
A bit of a cross between Rome and The Tudors. Less gritty than Rome (and without the village idiots) but far more politics than Henry and co, and the politics is far broader and has many more levels.
The series allows for the younger Borgias to develop their own stories. As said, there was a very much 'wrapped up' feel at the end of this series but there are a few loose ends to follow through on. If you like young men in tight-tights (even leather ones) as I do then this is a costume drama not to miss. And the women are worthwhile visions too!
Early episodes are a litte slow, but it builds into a very tense political thriller. Draws you into caring about some truly awful people. The last episode was a let down - its seemed like everything was being wrapped up in case a second series was not funded.